Moving from Newport News, VA to Jersey City, NJ
The 393 mi from Newport News to Jersey City translate to about 7h 59m behind the wheel through 5 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary β MSA, climate zone, or tax jurisdiction. The sections below set the two cities side by side on housing, income, cost of living, climate, and jobs.
393 mi Β· 7h 59m by car Β· NJ β DE β MD β DC β VA
Distance & route
| Route through | NJ β DE β MD β DC β VA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 95, NJTP, I 64 |
| Major cities en route | Yonkers, Paterson, New York, Newark, Elizabeth |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Newport News | Jersey City | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 97.941 | 112.563 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.579 | 127.018 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.767 | 110.261 | 100.0 |
| Services | 99.805 | 148.616 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Jersey City is 14.9% higher than Newport News, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Jersey City is 14.9% above Newport News β $290,660 vs $658,269 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03). Budget the mortgage math early.
YoY change: Newport News +1.4%, Jersey City -0.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Newport News | Jersey City |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 60Β°F | 55Β°F |
| January avg low | 31Β°F | 25Β°F |
| July avg high | 88Β°F | 87Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 28.2" |
| Annual precipitation | 45.1" | 50.4" |
Annual average temperatures in Newport News (59.5Β°F) and Jersey City (54.8Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Jersey City averages 28.2 in of annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals β a full winter setup (heavy coat, snow tires, chains) is worth unpacking first.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: NEWPORT NEWS INTL AP, VA US, HARRISON, NJ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Newport News | Jersey City |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 184,774 | 289,691 |
| Median household income | $66,718 | $94,813 |
| Median age | 34.2 | 34.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 17.7% | 29.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.44 | 2.35 |
Income gap is large: median household income climbs 14.9% between Newport News and Jersey City (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Jersey City MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 1,165,200 | $50,760 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 806,590 | $46,160 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 755,900 | $44,800 |
| Healthcare Support Occupations | 755,280 | $37,670 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 725,930 | $100,940 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Virginia and New Jersey
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check New Jersey's DMV for the current deadline to transfer driver license and vehicle registration after establishing residency. Consult a tax professional for your specific filing situation β state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20β30% more between Memorial Day and Labor Day (peak season). October through April offers the lowest rates and better mover availability.
To avoid mid-semester school transfers, most U.S. families schedule moves between mid-June and mid-August. Public school calendars typically run late August or early September through late May or early June.
Winter driving along this route
- I-64 across Afton Mountain and I-77 at Fancy Gap see chain requirements in winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Jersey City averages 28.2 in of snow per year on NOAA normals β pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- Pack rain gear on top: Jersey City averages 50.4 in of annual precipitation β waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- Arrange utility connection (power, internet, gas, water) two weeks ahead of move-in.
- Update mailing address with USPS change-of-address within the first week post-move.
- Register to vote in New Jersey after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How much do homes cost in Jersey City compared to Newport News?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $658,269 in Jersey City vs $290,660 in Newport News β a 126.5% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Jersey City compare to Newport News?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $59,390 in the Jersey City MSA vs $46,990 in the Newport News MSA, on total employment of 9,495,240 and 737,200 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Jersey City, NJ from Newport News, VA?
The driving distance is 393 mi and the route typically takes 7h 59m via I 95 and NJTP. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Newport News to Jersey City?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 393 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Newport News vs Jersey City?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $94,813 in Jersey City vs $66,718 in Newport News β a 42.1% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Jersey City more expensive than Newport News?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Jersey City is 14.9% higher than Newport News (112.563 vs 97.941, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Newport News.
City profiles: Newport News, VA Β· Jersey City, NJ.